Arturia KeyStep

Redefining the portable keyboard experience

KeyStep is a new breed of portable musical tool combining the functionalities of a keyboard controller with a polyphonic step sequencer to control both analog and digital devices.

You need a portable USB MIDI controller but also want a keyboard that provides a musical playing experience? You have some MIDI modules you want to connect as well but don’t want the footprint of a large keyboard? You have modular and analog gear you want to control via CV/GATEs? You want a step sequencer with polyphonic capability that can sync to your favorite modern and vintage gear? If only a single piece of gear could do all of this…

The KeyStep controller does all this and more.

Arturia started by designing our own “slim key” keyboard action, balancing the best features of compact mini-keys with the musicality of full-sized keys into this new keybed. The size, velocity and aftertouch of this new design provide the freedom of portability without sacrificing playability.

They also designed a new polyphonic step-sequencer with 8 programmable memories that you can recall at the turn of knob. You can choose gate times and swing settings instantly to change the feel of your sequenced performance on the fly. We also included the ability to record, overdub, and transpose your sequences in real time and still play the keyboard live.

Add a flexible and fun arpeggiator mode and chord play mode and you are set for hours of musical adventures.

These features alone would make KeyStep the best portable keyboard controller on the market. But we take it further by giving you a wealth of connectivity options: USB MIDI (of course), standard MIDI in and out (check), clock sync and DIN sync jacks (yes!), and CV/GATE outputs, plus a separate, assignable modulation CV output that can be used with the mod wheel, velocity or aftertouch. To say KeyStep is an amazing little controller does not say enough.

Keystep is the perfect performance controller in a compact package.

Adapts to your setup!

KeyStep was imagined and designed to become the modern musician’s trump-card.

Whatever your setup, KeyStep will merge into it to overdrive your workflow and effectiveness. With KeyStep and its range of connections you can control any digital or analog synthesizer from the past, today and even tomorrow. Sequence them all!

KeyStep: One objective meeting yours.
Sometimes, simplicity is the key to efficiency and the best way to materialize an idea into a sonic result. The design of the KeyStep is based entirely on this vision. Going straight to the point, skating over the constraints and letting musicians focus on their art are KeyStep’s ambitions. Whether your setup is analog or digital, KeyStep will allow you to reach a whole new level of control and creativity.

Connect

Versatility is key
KeyStep is made to widen the potential of your setup, regardless of what instruments compose it. It is compatible with practically all existing synthesizers, either analog or digital, hardware or software. .
CV for enthousiasts
The three CV outputs send pitch and gate signals along with velocity, aftertouch or mod. ribbon signal to control an analog instrument or module.

Digital & Analog
The MIDI DIN output can be used to control any MIDI hardware instrument while the USB connection allows you to control your plugins and virtual instruments.

Sustain or not sustain…
KeyStep also integrates a socket for a sustain pedal, sync input and output to follow or send a clock signal, and MIDI input to use an external keyboard or use KeyStep as a MIDI to CV converter.

Main Features

•     Arturia’s own Slimkey keybed with velocity and aftertouch
•     Arpeggiator mode:
  •         Up, down, inclusive, exclusive, random, note order, double up, double down modes
•     Sequencer mode:
  •         8 polyphonic step-sequences with Rest, Tie, and Legato note entry
  •     Rate control and tap tempo:
  •         REC, PLAY, and STOP buttons for performance control over the sequencer and arpeggiator
•     Sustain HOLD button
•     Sustain pedal jack
•     Chord play mode
•     SHIFT button selection:
  •         MIDI channel selection, GATE time, SWING values
•     DC jack for standalone operation
•     USB MIDI connects to computers and our MCC editor
•     MIDI in/out ports
•     Sync i/o ports:
  •         Supports 1 pulse per step, 2 PPQ (Korg Volca), 24 PPQ DIN sync, 48 PPQ DIN sync
•     Sync select switches:
  •         Internal, USB, MIDI, Clock
•     CV/GATE outputs:
  •         CV supports 1Volt per octave, Volt>Hz modes, Gate output 5V or 12V for modern or vintage gear support
  •         CV Velo/Aftertouch/Modwheel output
•     Capacitive-touch pitch bend and mod wheels
•     Each sequence can have 64 steps, each step can have up to 8 notes
•     Low power; can be powered by Apple iPad® (camera connection kit required)